The Secret Life of Germs: What They Are, Why We Need Them, and How We Can Protect Ourselves Against Them

From the world-renowned doctor who was a key member of Mayor Giuliani's bioterrorism task force, a fantastic journey into the elegantly ordered, finely calibrated, and mysterious world of microbes.

Despite the remarkable advances of medical science, germs are challenging medicine in ways that were unimaginable only a decade ago. Germs are now being linked to a host of ailments that no one ever suspected them of being responsible for, and every year some new horror story on killer germs surfaces, from hoof and mouth disease to the latest outbreak of virulent plagues. In The Secret Life of Germs, Dr. Philip Tierno dismantles sensationalist media scares to explain what kinds of threats germs actually pose to us, and how we can protect ourselves against them. He discusses pioneers of the "Germ Century," such as Louis Pasteur, and examines the "germ factory" that is the human body.

The Secret Life of Germs is chock full of illuminating historical anecdotes and helpful household hints: why it's important to clean children's toys, why fluffy bathroom towels may not be as clean as they appear, and why it's never a good idea to buy a secondhand mattress. This incredible book is both a practical home resource and a fascinating guide to the hidden mysteries of the world around us — an engaging account that will keep readers mesmerized while helping them stay healthy.

"This germ primer brings the bug into focus while setting even the most jittery hypochondriac's mind at ease." Publishers Weekly

"[A] fascinating, informative book on the good as well as the bad features of germs....[E]ngaging." Booklist

"An interesting book for popular science readers." Library Journal

They're on everything we touch, eat, and breathe in — on every inch of skin. And despite the advances of science, germs are challenging medicine in ways that were unimaginable ten years ago. No wonder the world is up in arms — and using antibacterial soaps.

From the common cold, E. coli, and Lyme disease to encephalitis, mad cow disease, and flesh-eating bacteria, Tierno takes readers on a historical survey of the microscopic world. Rebuffing scare tactics behind recent "germ events" Tierno explains how the recycling of matter is the key to life. Yes, he'll tell you why it's a good idea to clean children's toys, why those fluffy towels may not be so clean, and why you never want to buy a second-hand mattress, but he also reveals that there is a lot we can do to prevent germ-induced suffering. You'll never look at anything the same way again.

Philip M. Tierno, Jr., Ph.D., helped solve the mystery behind toxic shock syndrome. He is Director of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology at New York University Medical Center and is a member of the faculty at NYU School of Medicine. He has appeared on such shows as 20/20, Oprah, Dateline, and PrimeTime. Dr. Tierno lives in a suburb of New York.